Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday urged the Central government to consider the recent floods in various parts of the state as a “national disaster” and provide adequate funds for it. Following the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said, “Floods in Chennai and our southern districts have not only destroyed public infrastructure but have also disrupted countless lives. I would request the Central Government to declare floods as a national disaster and provide funds for it.” Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second terminal building of Tiruchirappalli Airport. The Chief Minister said that there has been serious damage to infrastructure following the floods in Chennai and southern districts. “The infrastructure in Chennai and southern districts has been badly affected due to floods,” Stalin said. Asking the Prime Minister to promote connectivity projects in the region, Stalin said Madurai Airport should be declared an “International Airport” and funds should be provided immediately for Phase 2 of the Metro Rail Project Block-2.
. Madhurai airport should be declared as an international airport.
Funds for Metro Rail Project Block-2 (Phase 2) should be provided immediately. The highway area should be improved and tollgates should be abolished.” From Chennai, the Prime Minister should arrange direct flight facilities to places like Tokyo,” the Chief Minister said. Stalin also asked the Prime Minister to facilitate Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to receive orders so as to protect the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) workers dependent on it. Stalin said, “MSME industries dependent on Trichy BHEL are lagging; Keeping this in mind, the Prime Minister should facilitate BHEL to receive the order. This will protect MSME workers.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the same event, said that he was deeply saddened and touched by the plight of the flood-affected people of Tamil Nadu after the devastating tropical cyclone ‘Michong’. The Prime Minister said the Center stands with them in this difficult time and will extend all possible assistance to the state government to help them get back on track.
Addressing a public event in Tiruchirappalli on Tuesday, PM Modi said, ‘2023 may be behind us now but the last few weeks of the year were especially difficult for the people of Tamil Nadu. Heavy rains and floods following the cyclone ‘Michong’ killed many people. There was also a lot of damage to property. I was deeply moved to see the plight of people due to the continuous rains and floods following the storm. However, I am here to assure you all that our government (at the Centre) stands with you in these difficult times. We are providing all possible assistance to the state government and are ready to do more.”
